Most digital cameras and camcorders already come with a USB 2.0 cable that allows you to connect the cable from your camcorder to the USB port of your computer. They also should have provided you with some software to download the video from your camcorder to your computer. Once you have it loaded on your computer you can use some video editing software to trim, insert pictures, add music, add titles or text to your video. For best uploading experience, use your software to compress the video to .mp3, .avi, .wmv, or .flv format.

Option 2: I have an older camcorder

  Time to upgrade to a digital camcorder, but if you are still holding on to the past, you will need some special equipment. Assuming your computer and camcorder supports it, you will need to get a firewire connection which will enable you to plug a cable from your old camcorder to your computer.

Alternatively this product by Pinnacle systems provides a cool solution for connecting  your camcorders using RCA or S-Video output.  It doesn’t take a lot of time to learn a new technology.  Simply attach your Dazzle DVD Recorder to your camcorder and your PC’s USB 2.0 port, then capture the video.  You can even record from your VCR.  Easy to use software is included for quick transfer of video content from tape to DVD.  A step by step wizard guides you through the process. 

If you would like to pick up a new digital camcorder you can look at the selection

Option 3: My cell phone can take video

Most cell phones take video in the .3gp or similar formats.  However, the quality is generally low so the videos can fit on a cell phone.  Many web sites don’t support .3gp format conversion at this time. To get the video from your phone to your computer, you can either email it to yourself if you have email services on your phone or use the software that may have been provided with your phone to do this.

Here are a some insights from a devotional address given many years ago by Hugh Brown that might be an intersting starting point as you consider what makes a prophet:

1. He will boldly claim that God had spoken to him.

2. Any man so claiming would be a dignified man with a dignified message—no table jumping, no whisperings from the dead, no clairvoyance, but an intelligent statement of truth.

3. Any man claiming to be a prophet of God would declare his message without any fear and without making any weak concessions to public opinion.

4. If he were speaking for God he could not make concessions, although what he taught would be new and contrary to the accepted teachings of the day. A prophet bears witness to what he has seen and heard and seldom tries to make a case by argument. His message and not himself is important.

5. Such a man would speak in the name of the Lord, saying, “Thus said the Lord,” as did Moses, Joshua, and others.

6. Such a man would predict future events in the name of the Lord, and they would come to pass, as did those predicted by Isaiah and Ezekiel.

7. He would have not only an important message for his time but often a message for all future time, such as Daniel, Jeremiah, and others had.

8. He would have courage and faith enough to endure persecution and to give his life, if need be, for the cause he espoused, such as Peter, James, Paul, and others did.

9. Such a man would denounce wickedness fearlessly. He would generally be rejected or persecuted by the people of his time, but later generations and descendants of his persecutors would build monuments in his honor.

10. He would be able to do superhuman things—things that no man could do without God’s help. The consequence or result of his message and work would be convincing evidence of his prophetic calling: “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20).

11. His teachings would be in strict conformity with scripture, and his words and his writings would become scripture. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).

Would you add anything to this list?

1. Think about what you are going to film and who is going to watch it.  Do you have a microphone or do you need to be close to the sound?  Is it light where you are filming or do you need to bring extra lights?
2. Motion is more interesting – when  you watch a home improvement show for example, the host is generally walking around or the camera is panning different areas.  It is much more interesting then just looking at someone talking.
3. Sometimes it makes sense to memorize a script.  This is important if there is specific content you want to get across.
4. When possible shoot the same thing multiple times even if you think the first take was great!
5. Be creative!  Most videos that get passed around the internet and drive traffic to you are ones that are very funny or very creative.

All that being said, just have fun with your camera.  People will enjoy what you film if you are having fun filming it.  For some examples of what others have done with video, visit myplace2sell where people and businesses are selling their products and services using video.

He can do custom work for you or you can purchase works he has already completed.  Alternatively you can just visit his website and look at the amazing eye candy he has already done.

I am evaluating if the time going to this meeting was worth it and whether joining the CoC in general is worth it.  It seems to me that it does give you an opportunity to connect with some people you might not otherwise meet but it depends on what type of business you do.
I think most people go there with the assumption that by showing up everyone will want to buy their product.  The reverse is probably more accurate that by showing up, everyone will want to sell you their product.  In general, you’ll spend more time listening to others pitch their products to you than you will have the ability to pitch your products.  For me personally, there were really only a couple of businesses that sounded of interest to me to learn more about.

For some people, I am sure the Chamber has really had a large impact on their business.  Perhaps web site designers, accountants and some other very common specialized businesses this would be the case.  I can see the need for such a meeting and the organization in general decreasing in its current format with the advent of new online businesses such as myplace2sell.  It provides a much faster way to network with more than the 100 people in the room, but to anyone world wide.  They can be more selective in the services they review rather than being forced to listen to all of them.

What are your thoughts?

One of the best new tools available is online at www.MyPlace2Sell.com.

This free site allows you to upload pictures and a video tour of your home. You can shoot a video yourself or hire a professional videographer to create a visual feast of your home. Potential buyers can get a sense of what your home is like without even leaving their computer. Once they decide to walk through it, they can refer back to the video to remember what it was like and show friends and family. Wait, you already have a realtor? Not to worry, your Realtor can post your home on this site as well. Ask your realtor to upload a video today.

Once you have the video completed, upload it to  your computer and edit it.  Then log on to myplace2sell and create a new listing for it.  It is very quick and easy to navigate and a quick way to get your product out there in a unique and creative way.

 Try it out today and let me know how it goes!